When you hear about Notre Dame players in the NFL you usually hear first about offensive linemen and then about tight ends. Or first about tight ends and then about those on the o-line.
When discussing the linemen, Quenton Nelson is seemingly always the first player brought up because he’s downright nasty and has the attitude that matches his play.
He’s not the only dominating offensive lineman from Notre Dame in the pros this year, however. And in fact, he might not even be the best Notre Dame lineman in the pros this season.
That title may just deserve to go to former Irish star and current Baltimore Raven, Ronnie Stanley.
Pro Football Focus did a fine job breaking down his play this season after Thursday night’s dominating win over the New York Jets.
Not only has Stanley not allowed a sack through fifteen games but he’s only allowed his quarterback to be pressured six times all season.
Yes, against the best pass rushers in the world Stanley has not only held his own but entirely dominated.
Listen, Lamar Jackson is lights-out on the field and easily the NFL MVP this season. He would probably still be more than just passable even behind an average or so offensive line.
It’s worth praising Stanley however for having his young quarterback’s back, literally, and helping to create one of the most memorable years we’ve ever witnessed by an NFL quarterback.